Timothy Dalton On Bond Deal & 007 Future

This week’s decision by longtime James Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli to relinquish control of the franchise to Amazon MGM Studios is still surprising people.

One person who was taken aback was a former James Bond star himself – actor Timothy Dalton. Dalton played the role across two films – 1987’s “The Living Daylights” and 1989’s “License to Kill”.

Taking the series into a more serious tone in the wake of some of the more outlandish latter Roger Moore films, Dalton scored a lot of praise for his portrayal – especially with ‘Daylights’ – but the films were also criticised for their lack of fun. He was ultimately succeeded by Pierce Brosnan who took over the role with 1995’s “Goldeneye”.

While promoting his role in the second season of Taylor Sheridan’s western “1923” on the Paramount+ service, Dalton was asked by Radio Times what he thought about the announced deal. He responded:

“I was very, very surprised and shocked. Barbara is I think a fabulous woman and a wonderful producer, as was her father Cubby Broccoli, who I got on with very well and liked a lot. He was a very powerful and strong anchor for the project. Nothing went on that he didn’t want and it’s sad that he’s not with us anymore, that’s all I can say. He was well in charge of the show and that’s not so anymore.”

Dalton also reflected on the larger franchise, how it has changed over the years, and his hopes for a healthy future for 007:

“It’s a wonderful franchise. The movies have taken different courses over the years, but there is something very good about the original and I hope Amazon latch onto that and give us the kind of film that’s brought so much excitement and fun to so many people … anyway, good luck to them, I say. I do wish them all the very, very best. They’ll be doing their best to make a lot of money, so hopefully they will make good movies.”

Dalton plays land baron Donald Whitfield in “1923” which returns this Sunday with its second season on the Paramount+ streamer.

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